History

The Parrsboro Citizens' Choir was formed in March, 2012 as a result of a discussion on Facebook of all things. A gospel concert was going to be held to raise funds for "Relay for Life" and several people began wondering if it would be fun if there was a 'gospel choir' that could perform. Many people joined the discussion thread, indicating their interest in participating. Our current fearless leader chimed in that he 'would help' and lo and behold, a choir was formed.

Then the scramble was on to find a rehearsal space, time to rehearse, and an accompanist. Joyce Murray was initially dragooned into service as accompanist and the Parrsboro Band Association offered rehearsal space in The Hall and we were off and running.

After a very few rehearsals, with only a few minor bumps along the way, the choir stepped up in April and performed in public for the first time.

Once that performance was completed, most of the participants wanted to continue as a group, and the Parrsboro Band Association 'adopted' the group, which became the Parrsboro Citizens' Choir. Open to any and all, no audition, no fee to join....just a group who wanted to sing.

Of course that meant meeting some commitments to the Band Association, including an annual event in July - Band Day. And not wanting to perpetuate itself as only a gospel choir the group broke that image with its first performance tune : "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys.

To see more of the remarkable organization that 'adopted' the choir, you can read a brief update on our "Sponsor" page or visit the Parrsboro Band Association website at The Hall.

Not only has the Association been restoring and renovating its building for several years it has made some truly amazing contributions to the community. Check it out. You may even be inspired to become a member of the Association and participate in its exciting future.

From those humble beginnings the group has continued on, rehearsing only twice a month, to perform in Christmas and Spring concerts with the Band Association, putting on three completely choral concerts, providing music every Canada Day at Ottawa House, participating in community concerts in Springhill, providing seasonal music at the annual tree lighting at Town Hall park, participating once in the annual Ship's Company Christmas show, carolling up and down Main Street, and yes, even doing a 'flash mob' of carols at the local grocery store.

The choir has now sung in English, French, German and Latin and capped off their multilingual efforts by performing the Huron Carol in the original Huron language (Wendat) accompanied only by a native drum.

One of our more interesting appearances was at a "Feel Good" afternoon sponsored by the local health authority to draw attention to the benefits of various physical, social and musical activities, especially in the doldrums of winter. The event was held at the Fundy Geological Museum which was, to put it mildly, a unique performing venue. And great fun! And of course we had to perform "Walk Dem Bones".